Becoming a Living Donor

LIVING DONATION

The first living organ transplant in BC was performed in 1976, when a mother donated a kidney to her daughter. Since then, hundreds of living donor transplants have occurred.In 1999 more kidney transplants were received from living kidney donation compared to deceased donor kidney transplants. Since then, the number of living donor transplants has steadily increased.Live kidney donation has a higher success rate for both graft (transplanted organ) and recipient survival rates. The recipient is often in better health at the time of the scheduled transplant compared to those who wait for a deceased donor.In early 2001, BC Transplant established a living liver program, and the first of these transplants was performed in March 2001.

Paired Kidney Exchange Program

The paired kidney exchange program was introduced in 2006 to increase options for patients on the kidney transplant waitlist who have living donors who have been tested and found to be blood type incompatible.

Living Anonymous Donor (LAD)

BC Transplant is the first organization in the world to launch a comprehensive research study into the ethical, psycho-social, and practical elements of living anonymous kidney donation (LAD). To date, 23 transplants with anonymous donors have taken place.

Live Donor Liver Program

In 2001 BC Transplant performed its first live donor liver transplant, to date 50 transplants have taken place with live liver donors.

Living organ donation is an act of altruism that reduces the wait time for patients in need of a life-saving kidney or liver. Donating an organ should not be a financial burden to the donor.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC Branch administers a program to potential living donors that may reimburse you for eligible expenses related to organ donation. This program is called LODERP and stands for Living Organ Donation Expense Reimbursement Program.

The LODERP may reimburse you for expenses, including travel, accommodations, parking, meals and, for Canadians, loss of income, related to your assessment and donation of an organ (kidney or liver).

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PHSA improves the health of British Columbians by seeking province-wide solutions to specialized health care needs in collaboration with BC health authorities and other partners. Learn more about our agencies and services